All About Vehicle Mobile App

See FAQs for availability.

Your FAQs, Answered

Find out everything you need to know about the Vehicle Mobile App and how to use it to its full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up my Vehicle Mobile App?

Follow these important steps to properly activate your vehicle mobile app. iPhone requires iOS 13.0 or later. Android smartphones require OS 4.0.3 or later.

Make sure your vehicle and mobile device are compatible with the app.
Download the app from the App Store^® or Google Play^®. Have your username and password handy.
Launch the app and enter your Owner Centre username and password.
Agree to the OnStar Terms and Conditions to continue into your vehicle’s app. You’ll only need to do this on your initial login.
Keep your OnStar PIN handy. You’ll need it to access features within your app. Forgot your PIN? Manage your PIN in the Owner Centre or push your blue OnStar button to speak to an Advisor*.

Which vehicles can I use my vehicle mobile app with?

Your vehicle mobile app is compatible with Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles from MY21 onwards. At this time, there are no plans to extend the app to additional 2010 or earlier model year vehicles.

Do I need a subscription to access these features?

Some services require a paid service plan. For more information about what services are included in which plan, please check the Pricing page.

Can I access my account from the app?

Yes, you can view your account information, check your plan details, and speak with an Advisor directly from the app.

What other features do I have in my vehicle mobile app?

You can remotely start and locate your vehicle, view vehicle health and status, lock/unlock your doors, and sound the horn. Learn more here.

How does Remote Start work?

From a Key Fob*, Remote Start communicates directly with the vehicle through a short-wave radio signal. Remote starting your vehicle from the Mobile App initiates a connection to our OnStar servers, which then communicate to your vehicle through the cellular net to remotely start it.

How long will it take for my car to start when I try to start it from my Mobile App? Why does Remote Start from the Mobile App take so much longer than from my Key Fob?

Remote Start will take on average up to a minute to complete through the mobile app. Remote starting your vehicle from the mobile app first initiates a connection to our OnStar servers, which then communicate to your vehicle to remotely start it (or get data or any perform any other remote command). Since there are a lot more moving parts when using the mobile app as compared to your Key Fob, this can take longer to execute when comparing the two.

What are the reasons Remote Start could fail?

Remote Start could fail for many different reasons.

Key Fob is in the vehicle.
Key is in the ignition.
Gas cap is off.
Door is open.
Vehicle is running.
Vehicle not in park
(no. of attempts) or more Remote Start attempts since last ignition cycle.
(no. of attempts) successful Remote Start executions since last ignition cycle.
Hood ajar
Hazard lights are active.
Battery voltage low
Engine stalled
Valet mode is active.
Remote Start disabled in the vehicle.
Low oil pressure
If vehicle is dormant due to no ignition cycle in the past 10 days

If I Remote Start my vehicle can someone potentially drive away with it?

No, GM vehicles will not allow the vehicle to be driven unless the key is being used in the vehicle.

Remote Start shows successful on the app, but when I arrived at my vehicle, I noticed it was not running. What happened?

Remote Start only stays active for 10 minutes. If it has been 10 minutes since the successful request, the vehicle turned itself off to conserve fuel.

After I Remote Start my vehicle, will it stay on until I turn it off?

No, Remote Start turns itself off after 10 minutes to conserve fuel.

Can I make my car stay Remote Started longer?

Yes, you can extend your Remote Start by another 10 minutes by performing a second Remote Start.

When I remote start my vehicle, will this make my climate control system come on?

Yes, the vehicle will automatically turn on the climate control system and attempt to maintain a comfortable temperature with the cabin.

Will my heated seat feature come on once I remote start my vehicle?

If the vehicle has Adaptive Remote Start and the weather is cold enough (freezing temperatures), the vehicle will turn on heated seats when Remote Start is active.